I think the Beyerdynamic DT770 would be a pretty good fit. It has a good amount of bass though which not everyone likes. The HD598s are also a good choice and a nice choice for lots of genres. The downside is that their bass doesn't like to come out unless they are amped and then it is just fine. The Grados will not be a good choice for your electronic tunes, though they will pair nicely with your rock music.

So would you say the DT770s have too much bass for rock? I would be leaning towards the DT770 over the HD 598 purely because I wouldn't have the money to amp them right away, would you say all of the portable headphones are out of the picture along with the Grados?

Loquah to answer your question, Price range is around 0-300$, and if the isolation is good enough that it blocks out most of outside sound then yes I'm open to it.

A good IEM might be a good solution. I use my Shure SE535s on planes all the time and they cut out as much noise as most noise cancelling headphones I've tried. I personally find noice cancelling phones get fatiguing somehow so my preference is for high isolation IEMs. The Etymotic HF5s might be an option in your price range, but I haven't heard them. If you can stretch to the Shure SE535s or pick some up second hand you'd be set. Alternatively, check out joker's multi-IEM comparison thread which lists an amazing range of IEMs with scores for SQ and for isolation as well as great descriptions so you can find something that matches your tastes.

Looking for my first pair of "proper" headphones (used to basic stuff, headsets and the like), sadly the more I search the more I change my mind on which would suit me best. Now to what I want from a headphone well... something that will work well with rock (alternative, electronic, indie, classic) and electronic music, I do listen to a bit of classical and pop but these aren't really the focus of what I want my headphones for.

I'm not too picky on open or closed, but I'd prefer closed if I ever want to use them out and about, and would rather have over ear.

I don't mind buying an amp (something like an e7) as long as the headphones are around £150 ($230).

From all my searching I've come up with a small list:

Sennheiser HD 598 (no amp)

Beyerdynamic DT 770/990 (250 Ohm) (with amp)

AKG K550 (no amp)

AKG K271 Mk2 (or the K240) (with amp)

I've also looked at the Grado SR80i (and the SR60i), HD 25-1 II and V-Moda M80 but would rather get one of the above unless one of this 3 is in some way better for my genres of music.

All of these I've listed basically come to the same price give or take, if anyone has any other options for me in this price range I'd love to know of them.

Would be extremely grateful if someone could help me make a choice, thanks.

I would highly recommend a clone of the Fischer Audio FA-003 (rebranded as Brainwavz HM5). I recently bought a pair when I was in a similar situation as you. They sound really great for the price, they look good and they are built like tanks.

I would highly recommend a clone of the Fischer Audio FA-003 (rebranded as Brainwavz HM5). I recently bought a pair when I was in a similar situation as you. They sound really great for the price, they look good and they are built like tanks.

Interesting, checked them on Amazon and theres also the LINDY Premium Hi-Fi, I assume they are the same or similar? Never mind, seems they are, anyone know how they would compare to the ones I listed?

Sorry I meant the HE-400, $50 cheaper than the HE-4 and much easier to drive.

The HE-400, DT 880, HD 600 & 650 (and I'll throw in the much cheaper Q701) are all excellent cans. There are good reasons for choosing each of them. The one that is best for you will likely depend on your personal preferences. It's not like you are throwing in something clearly superior to almost everyone--say like an HE-500.

So would you say the DT770s have too much bass for rock? I would be leaning towards the DT770 over the HD 598 purely because I wouldn't have the money to amp them right away, would you say all of the portable headphones are out of the picture along with the Grados?

Thanks.

Personally I don't think so. It ultimately comes down to preferences. The DT770s have a "fun" signature by emphasizing the bass and highs, whereas the 598s have solid mids, pleasant bass (better when amped), and much tamer treble that falls off a bit. The DT770s were my first pair and I really loved them and I didn't even have them properly amped. My second pair was the 598. Both are very different but I enjoyed both a lot. The 598s are great and if you are just worried that you won't have an amp right now, don't worry you'll be spending plenty of money on headphones and equipment soon enough

I would highly recommend a clone of the Fischer Audio FA-003 (rebranded as Brainwavz HM5). I recently bought a pair when I was in a similar situation as you. They sound really great for the price, they look good and they are built like tanks.

They're also almost as big (albeit not as heavy) as a couple of tanks. Soundwise they are OK, but the HD 598 & K 550 are much better. The K240 is at least as good and is cheaper (don't know about the K271). The two Beyers mentioned have "V" shaped sound signatures and are therefore different animals than the rest, which are at least neutral-ish.

I'm entering college next year so I want some really nice close headphones to listen to so I don't bother my dorm mate. After doing a bit of searching I found the Audio-Technica m-50 to be the most standard choice within the $100-$140 price range. However, I also found the headphones like the AK K271 MKII Closed Circumnatural Headphones for $140 while having a much higher base price of $270. Can I please help some help on deciding which ones to get? And what you guys would personally recommend within that price range including any sales and such? By the way, I like songs from most genres so I would like well-balanced headphones. Sorry I rashly made a thread earlier but I was in a hurry to leave for my job (for these headphones haha)

Personally I don't think so. It ultimately comes down to preferences. The DT770s have a "fun" signature by emphasizing the bass and highs, whereas the 598s have solid mids, pleasant bass (better when amped), and much tamer treble that falls off a bit. The DT770s were my first pair and I really loved them and I didn't even have them properly amped. My second pair was the 598. Both are very different but I enjoyed both a lot. The 598s are great and if you are just worried that you won't have an amp right now, don't worry you'll be spending plenty of money on headphones and equipment soon enough

I see, struggling with which signature would appeal more to me, and I'm sure I will be spending more in future, gotta get past the beginner step first though!

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG Jag

They're also almost as big (albeit not as heavy) as a couple of tanks. Soundwise they are OK, but the HD 598 & K 550 are much better. The K240 is at least as good and is cheaper (don't know about the K271). The two Beyers mentioned have "V" shaped sound signatures and are therefore different animals than the rest, which are at least neutral-ish.

Would the "V" shape signature of the 770s have a positive or negative effect on the music? I guess as has been said its down to my preference now, but technically?